Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which are unstable compounds that attack cells and cause dull skin, wrinkles and even skin cancer. It also helps fight the elements responsible for the visible signs of aging, help restore skin to a more youthful appearance and revitalize dull-looking skin. From calming inflamed skin to tightening and toning, antioxidants offer great benefits from natural sources.
How do they work?
Oxidation occurs throughout nature. In the case of our skin, it is largely caused by the creation of free radicals at the cellular level when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Antioxidants assist to reduce oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals.
Top sources are they found in
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most well-known antioxidants. This fat-soluble vitamin is available in both natural and synthetic forms. Research shows that both forms provide significant antioxidant benefits to skin, but the natural forms are more potent and last longer in skin than their synthetic counterparts.
What it does:
Vitamin E works in several ways to protect and defend skin from outside elements that can have a profound negative impact on skin. Vitamin E is often found in sunscreens because of its supporting role in helping defend skin from the stress caused by UV light exposure.
Vitamin E also works in powerful synergy with Vitamin C, so a serum or anti-aging product that contains both Vitamin C and Vitamin E can be doubly beneficial. Look for Vitamin E in serums and moisturisers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that’s particularly effective in diminishing the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin tone. This well-researched water-soluble vitamin is considered an anti-aging superstar for all skin types. Naturally, it can be found in citrus fruit, berries and currants.
What it does:
When applied topically, vitamin C has been proven to preserve skin’s resilience, so it takes on a firmer feeling and smoother appearance. Research shows that vitamin C also helps improve an uneven skin tone and brighten dull skin so it’s visibly more radiant, just like younger skin. In addition to this, it repairs DNA damage. Vitamin C is found in all sorts of products, from lip balms to eye creams, but you’ll get the most out of this antioxidant if it’s in targeted solution products and skin-brightening products.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a potent polyphenolic antioxidant that’s found in red grapes, red wine, nuts, and fruits such as blueberries and cranberries. It’s relatively new on the market, but emerging research is showing that resveratrol is another antioxidant superhero for your skin.
What it does:
Applied topically, resveratrol helps protect skin’s surface, interrupts and helps rebuff negative environmental influences, and brightens a tired-looking complexion. It also has significant skin-calming properties that may help minimize the look of redness. Look for resveratrol in moisturisers and eye creams.
Retinol
Retinol (the technical term for vitamin A) has a long-established reputation as one of the most extraordinary ingredients for skin. It’s both a skin-restoring ingredient and an antioxidant.
What it does:
Retinol has been shown to improve skin’s resilience, which contributes to its overall feeling of firmness and more youthful, healthy appearance. Due to its anti-aging ability, retinol is a key ingredient to look for if you want to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Retinol is found in all types of products, from moisturisers to serums to body treatments and many others.
At Cosmetology, we have the following products available to help your skin fight free radicals and aging;
Alex Cosmetic Stem Cell Repair Cream
Shield your skin from environmental influences with this moisture-rich Stem Cell Repair Cream.
Alex Cosmetic Corrector Serum + Vitamin C- Brightening Serum
A composition of Alpine Herbal Extracts in combination with Vitamin C shows visible effects on skin discoloration. Moreover, it regenerates, hydrates and protects skin.
Alex Cosmetic Elixir Face Moisturiser
Intensive, vitalizing nutritive-emulsion, for skin which demands more. Wheat Germ Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and valuable oils and vitamins provide long-lasting moisture and regeneration. Skin’s surface texture and resilience will be improved. For soft, velvety feeling skin.
Alex Cosmetic Vitamin Cream
Get your dose of Vitamin C with this hydrating cream to help the skin build up and preserve its optimum moisture balance.